Abstract: The invention relates to a thermodynamic machine having a circulation system in which a working fluid, in particular a low-boiling working fluid, circulates alternately in a gaseous and a liquid phase, a heat exchanger, an expansion machine, a condenser, and a fluid pump. The invention also relates to a method for operating the thermodynamic machine. According to certain embodiments of the invention, in the flow line of the fluid pump, a partial pressure increasing the system pressure is applied to the liquid working fluid by adding a non-condensing auxiliary gas. Compact ORC machines can be implemented, preventing cavitation in the liquid working fluid.

Abstract: There is provided a Rankine cycle system which generates electricity by using heat as an energy source, in which a conventional pump for carrying a working fluid is not used, thereby reducing the cost of manufacturing the Rankine cycle system, saving the electric power consumed to operate the pump and therefore obtaining a greater output of power, and in which a control system is used to automatically operate the Rankine cycle system, thereby enabling to stably operate the Rankine cycle system even though a heat source is intermittently supplied.

Abstract: An ocean wave electrical generating system is described. The generating system is adapted to harness the energy of ocean waves in a wide variety of applications and conditions. The system reduces the effect of the variable input energy from ocean waves by initially storing the energy in the form of potential energy and subsequently transforming the potential energy to kinetic energy. The release of kinetic energy is coupled with generators which are isolated from the effects of the variable input energy into the system by this process. This system is developed to utilize the variable potential energy available and to provide a constant kinetic energy output.

Abstract: A heat engine includes: a high-temperature space portion and a low-temperature space portion, each of which has a working gas with a different temperature range from each other; a regenerator provided between both of the space portions; a first piston configured to cause volumetric changes of the working gases in the space portions and transmit motive energy on receipt of pressure changes of the working gases; and a second piston and a third piston configured to transfer the working gases between both of the space portions and move with a 180° phase difference from each other with respect to the regenerator. The second piston is slidably housed in a cylinder portion included in the first piston. Heat and motive energy are exchanged by using the volumetric changes in both of the space portions, as well as by using the transfer of the working gases.

Abstract: According to an embodiment, a method of operating an oxy/fuel system and an oxy/fuel system circulate a support gas in the combustion system prior to activating at least one burner, produce the combustion fluid including CO2, wherein a level of the CO2 in the combustion fluid increases as a function of time, and continue production of the combustion fluid to exceed a predetermined level of the CO2 in the combustion fluid, for a period of time, the predetermined level being sufficient to permit the CO2 to be purified by a CO2 purification unit.

Abstract: In accordance with the present invention, a Hydrokinetic & Wind Energy Harvester, placed in a wave-swash zone or in a flowing stream captures energy through water turbines and a wind turbine. A funnel guides water to converge and impinge on water turbines housed in a pipe. A trash guard attached to the funnel prevents trash from entering the pipe. A rotational transmission-system with one-way clutches transmits torque to an alternator to generate electricity. Flywheels maintain steady rotation of alternator shaft. A buoyancy chamber at the bottom produces reduction of weight of the unit in water, thereby enhances maneuverability of unit in water. Stabilization tank at the top when filled with water provides extra weight and stability against sliding and overturning of the unit in its operating location. An energy farm combines the energy of several units linked together; in coastal water, units form a seawall-like barrier mitigating coastal erosion.

Abstract: A working gas control system for a double acting type Stirling engine having two or more piston assemblies reciprocating within bores. Each of the piston assemblies separate isolated cycle volumes of a working gas which undergoes cyclical pressure variations. The pressure equalization system includes forming isolated first and second volumes with the first volume maintained at a low pressure through the use of a check valve. The second volume is maintained at a pressure intermediate of the minimum and maximum pressures of the cycle volumes. By providing controlled leakage paths between the volumes, the mass or volume of working gas in each of the cycle volumes can be maintained in a balanced condition despite minor leakages outside the engine of the working gas and leakage past the piston assemblies separating the cycle volumes.

Abstract: A changeable damping wave power capturing device driven by bidirectional screw rod is provided, which uses the ball screw device to capture the wave power and prevents the energy lost caused by complex mechanism. In addition, bidirectional reciprocating rectilinear motion is changed to unidirectional rotation by the ratchet wheel device, and then the rotating energy is imported to the generating set. Besides, the wave power capturing device driven by bidirectional screw rod uses the control device to detect wave energy and choose different generator, the control device could change the damping value and improve the efficiency that transforming wave energy.

Abstract: A heating and cooling device includes a cylinder having a chamber for receiving a gas. A guiding groove is defined in an inner periphery of the chamber. A piston assembly is movably received in the chamber of the cylinder. The piston assembly includes first and second pistons and a connecting rod connected to the first and second pistons. The first piston is mounted to a side of the second piston and rotatable relative to the connecting rod. Each of the first and second pistons includes a plurality of openings. A guiding block is formed on an outer periphery of the first piston and is slideably received in the guiding groove.

Abstract: A wall structure (21) for a burner (19), with a first wall (40), which has elevations (41) and which defines a first supply chamber (22), and with a second wall (43), which has recesses (44) cooperating with end sections (42) of the elevations (41) and which defines a reaction chamber (20). The first wall (40) has first openings (34), which connect the first supply chamber (23) to the reaction chamber (20). The second wall (43) has second openings (37), which connect a second supply chamber (24) located between the walls (40, 43) to the reaction chamber (20). The first openings (34) are arranged in first rows (35) and the second openings (37) in second rows (38). The mixture formation or homogenization of the gases in the reaction chamber (20) can be improved if at least one second opening (37) is arranged within the first row (35) between two openings (34).

Abstract: A method of assembling an energy harvesting system is provided. The method includes coupling at least one energy storage device in flow communication with at least one apparatus that is configured to generate thermal energy and to transfer the thermal energy into at least one fluid stream. The energy storage device is configured to store the fluid stream. Moreover, the method includes coupling at least one fluid transfer device downstream from the energy storage device. The fluid transfer device receives the fluid stream from the energy storage device. A bladeless turbine is coupled in flow communication with the fluid transfer device, wherein the bladeless turbine receives the fluid stream to generate power.

Abstract: A vehicle includes a fluid mixing system. The fluid mixing system includes a fluid and a heat engine. The fluid has a first fluid region at a first temperature and a second fluid region at a second temperature that is different from the first temperature. The heat engine includes a shape-memory alloy disposed in heat exchange contact with each of the first fluid region and the second fluid region. The heat engine is operable to mix the fluid between the first fluid region and the second fluid region in response to a change in the crystallographic phase of the shape-memory alloy to reduce the difference in the composition of the fluid bath between the first fluid region and the second fluid region.

Abstract: A heat transport system includes a fluid, a heat engine, and a component. The fluid has a first fluid region at a first temperature and a second fluid region at a second temperature that is different from the first temperature. The heat engine includes a shape-memory alloy disposed in contact with each of the first fluid region and the second fluid region. The heat engine is operable to transfer heat from one of the first fluid region and the second fluid region to the other of the first fluid region and the second fluid region in response to the crystallographic phase of the shape-memory alloy.

Abstract: An improved system for converting kinetic energy contained in naturally occurring horizontal flows occurring in fluids accumulated above ground into useful mechanical energy is specified in which at least one circulating element guided in a closed cycle, arranged substantially horizontal above the ground is provided, to which at least one buoyancy body having a crosssection of impact for the flow is attached by means of at least one guy rope or by means of a backstay chain, wherein in a section of the closed cycle, in which a propulsive power aligned in a direction of circulation acts on the buoyancy body via the flow impacting on the cross-section of impact, the distance between the circulating element and the buoyancy body is set greater than in a section of the closed cycle, in which via the flow impacting on the cross-section of impact no propulsive power aligned in the direction of circulation acts on the buoyancy body, further optimizing is carried out in that the buoyancy body is set during the cycle i

Abstract: The present invention provides a Stirling engine employing a segmented, rotary displacer for producing mechanical energy from a heat source. The engine includes a rotor shaft rotatably positioned in the interior toroidal cavity with a segmented displacer mounted to the rotor shaft within the interior toroidal cavity.

Abstract: A system for generating power from a low grade heat source includes a heat source inlet, heat sink inlet, heat exchanger unit, and a heat engine. The heat source inlet conveys a flow of a heated fluid into the system. The heat sink inlet conveys a flow of a cooled fluid into the system. The heat exchanger unit is configured to rotate. A portion of the heat exchanger unit alternates between thermal contact with the heated fluid and thermal contact with the cooled fluid in response to being rotated. The heat engine is configured to generate power in response to the heat exchanger unit being rotated.

Abstract: A float structure for a WEC is designed to have a tapered underside to reduce the impact due to wave slam and bending moments while providing little reduction in the surface area responding to the wave surface in order to maintain the beneficial power generating capability of a “flat” float. The underside of the float presents an inverted wedge section to decrease loads associated with wave slamming. The float may have a generally toroidal or elliptical configuration at and about the “still” water line with the generally submerged underside of the float having a cross section shaped to have one or more inverted triangular sections extending between the outer perimeter of the float and its center to reduce impact loading due to wave slamming while maintaining power producing capability.

Abstract: An oven having a central cooking chamber defined in part by a housing and in visual communication with a flame-producing element. The cooking chamber has a door with a transparent portion providing visual inspection of the cooking chamber and a view of the flame produced by the flame producing element. The cooking chamber has a heat source to provide heat to the cooking chamber.

Abstract: A power generator which generates power using the force of air rising in water. A plurality of containers are connected to a chain which in turn is connected to two gears. An air compressor produces air bubbles to be released into the containers which rotate to the surface of the water around the chain. The rotating containers cause the chain to rotate two gears which transforms rotational energy into electrical energy by a generator.

Abstract: An SMA actuation apparatus comprises: an SMA actuator arranged to drive movement of a movable element; a current supply supplying a drive current; a detection circuit detecting a measure of the resistance of the SMA actuator; and a control unit operative to generate a closed-loop control signal supplied to current supply for controlling the power of the drive current to drive the resistance of the SMA actuator to a target value. The control unit derives: an estimate of a characteristic temperature of the SMA actuation apparatus on the basis of the supplied power, using a thermal model; and a resistance offset on the basis thereof. The closed-loop control signal is generated on the basis of the error between the measure of the resistance of the SMA actuator and the target value of the resistance of the SMA actuator, adjusted by the resistance offset to compensate for variations in resistance.